Ventilated siding system

ABSTRACT

A lap siding system for use on an exterior of a building that includes a plank having a length and a complementary member, such as corner trim, door trim, etc. The lap siding system further includes a flashing disposed between the plank and the complementary member. The plank, the complementary member, and the flashing are adapted to be coupled to an exterior of a substructure of a building. At least one of the plank, the complementary member, and the flashing is adapted to create at least one ventilation channel between the substructure of the building and at least one of the plank, the complementary member, and the flashing.

BACKGROUND

This disclosure relates generally to lap siding systems and apparatusfor use on the exteriors of residential and commercial buildings. Lapsiding systems generally provide aesthetically pleasing, low maintenanceexteriors to a variety of buildings by attaching overlapping horizontalor vertical boards or planks to the exterior of a building. Forsimplicity, the term “plank” includes boards, slats, and panels. Planksmay be made of wood, cementitious material, plastic, metal, glass,various types of fiber and filler material, composites of thesematerials and other materials known in the art.

A common problem in construction is that of weatherproofing structuraljunctures in lap siding systems, such as between planks, at corners, atjunctions between planks and other structural features such as windowsand doors, and at junctions between planks and other decorative featuressuch as trim, appliqués, and similar features. Weatherproofing servesthe goal of protecting the underlying structure of the building from thedamage associated with water seepage that can result in flourishingtermite, pest, and mold populations. Damage resulting from water seepagemay also result in rotting, swelling, and warping of the planks of thelap siding system, the trim, appliqués, and other features, and/or theunderlying structure. Water seepage may also result in a reduction ofthe effectiveness of insulation, cracks in the masonry, loosening of thesiding system from the underlying structure of the building, and thelike.

The standard practice in weatherproofing is to seal and back thejuncture with flashing. Typically, such flashing is made of metal orvinyl and positioned under the juncture and affixed to the underlyingstructure. This type of flashing is normally placed along the entireseam created by the juncture.

The flashing is usually sealed against the underlying structure withcaulk. However, caulk tends to shrink over time. Additionally, theweathering and dissimilar thermal expansion and contraction of theflashing, siding, and caulk often leads to failure of the seal so thatwater seeps behind the siding and may result in water damage to the lapsiding system and underlying structure. Furthermore, the exposedjunctions, caulk, and flashing may be unsightly.

Additionally, the bottommost horizontal planks and starter strips ofcurrently available lap siding systems abut or contact a portion of thefoundation or wainscot. Water often collects and sits in this juncturecausing water damage to the bottommost planks and starter strips.Furthermore, the bottommost planks and starter strips are often disposedso close to the underlying structure of the building that water wicks upbetween the bottommost planks, starter strips, and the underlyingstructure of the building, which increases the likelihood thatsignificant water damage will occur.

Another problem in the installation of a lap siding system on a buildingis the difficulty in evenly attaching each plank to the underlyingstructure. The conventional method of installation requires constantmeasuring of plank position and adjustment, which is time-consuming.

With some lap siding systems, a clearance between the roof and the lapsiding system of at least two inches may be required. Flashing andcounter flashing may be installed and caulked to protect the gap fromwind and water. However, this gap may be unsightly and, like thejunctions discussed above, the caulk and flashing may fail so that wateris able to seep behind the flashing.

Most lap siding systems are secured to the underlying structure by topnailing, which is also referred to as blind nailing. The nail used inblind nailing is driven through the plank near the top of the plank suchthat the nail head would be covered by the next higher plank as itoverlaps the top of the lower plank. Each progressively higher plankoverlaps the top nail of the lower plank, thus rendering it a blindnail. Blind nailing secures the planks to the structure and provides anaesthetically pleasing appearance to the lap siding. However, with theonly fastening mechanism being applied at the tops of the planks, thelower portion of the planks is unsecured. In the event of moderate orhigh winds, it is common for wind to get under the lower edge of theplank and apply upward and/or outward pressure on the plank, causing itto loosen, bend, warp, or even separate from the building. Accordingly,it is common in many parts of the world to secure the planks with bothblind nails and face nails. The face nails are driven through the loweror bottom portion of the planks and into the underlying plank and/or theunderlying structure.

While the face nails can provide additional strength to the coupling ofthe plank to the structure, the face nails are known to cause severalconcerns. As one example, the face nails are often considered to beunsightly and attempts to paint over them are often unsuccessful for anumber of reasons. In some circumstances, the face nails can be driventoo far into the plank exposing siding fibers. The exposed siding fibersare then open to the elements and, if the face nail is countersunk toofar, the structural integrity of the siding plank may be impaired.Additionally, the face nails, whether driven too far or not, createanother opening in the exterior siding and a possible channel for waterto be wicked, or otherwise passed, from the exterior of the siding tothe interior of the siding where it can cause one or more of theproblems identified above.

Proper installation of lap siding with face nails requires each facenail to be caulked and sealed to resist moisture from penetratingthrough the siding. Other than being incredibly time-consuming to caulkeach face nail, the caulking also presents long term problems due todifferences in materials between the caulk and the planks, differentexpansion and contraction rates, and different weathering patternsbetween the materials. Accordingly, even if the caulking and paintingcan be done initially to avoid the aesthetic problems and to preventmoisture from penetrating the siding at the face nail, the adequacy ofthe seal generally deteriorates over time and the aesthetic issuesgenerally arise as the color of the paint over caulk changes tonedifferently than the paint over the siding plank.

Conventional lap siding relies heavily on attempts to weatherproof thestructure by sealing the structure against the exterior elements, suchas by caulking the joints between planks and at junctures where planksterminate at other structural or decorative features, such as windows,doors, trim, or changes in the contour of the underlying structure.However, time has shown that a perfect and complete seal of a structureagainst the elements is difficult and can have negative consequences forthe structure and its occupants. As one example, it is generallyaccepted that homes need to breath. Allowing a home to breath isbelieved to improve the longevity of the structure and improve theliving conditions in the home. In the attempts to seal a home againstthe exterior elements, siding planks are generally placed close togetherand caulking is applied between the siding planks and/or between sidingplanks and other materials forming the exterior of the structure. Whenthese caulking seals are freshly applied, assuming the seals are donecorrectly, the home cannot breath. There is generally no air flow behindthe siding planks or other features.

Additionally, when one of these caulked seals fails and allows a littlebit of moisture to penetrate the exterior shell of the structure, themoisture is effectively trapped between the exterior shell and theunderlying structure. As suggested above, moisture can penetrate theexterior shell in a number of ways, such as through the face nailsand/or the joints between planks, particularly when the caulking agesand weathers. Once the moisture is trapped between the exterior shelland the underlying structure, the moisture can lead to several problemsincluding rotting of the structure and/or siding planks, allowing moldto grow between the siding planks and the structure, and attracting avariety of pests. Because of the extremely limited airflow between thestructure and the siding planks, the moisture will not dry out veryquickly. In many circumstances, the moisture may not sufficiently dryout in time to prevent the negative consequences of the moisture.

SUMMARY

The apparatus and system of the present disclosure has been developed inresponse to the present state of the art, and in particular, in responseto the problems and needs in the art that have not been fully solved bycurrently available lap siding systems and apparatus. Thus, the presentdisclosure provides a lap siding system and apparatus for providing anaesthetically pleasing, low maintenance exterior to a variety ofbuildings.

In accordance with the technology as embodied and broadly describedherein in the preferred embodiment, a lap siding system is provided. Thelap siding system may include a plurality of planks having a first endand a second end. Additionally, one or more of the ends of each plankmay be operatively associated with another exterior member of thebuilding, such as another siding plank, a door trim member, a windowtrim member, a corner member, or other such members, one or more ofwhich may also comprise part of the lap siding system of the presentdisclosure. When installed on a building, a portion of each plank mayoverlap a part of another plank. The planks may be installed on thebuilding such that there is a space provided between at least a portionof the planks and the underlying structure of the building, which mayalso be referred to as the substructure of the building.

The space provided between the substructure and the planks may bereferred to as a ventilation channel. Accordingly, a building coveredwith multiple planks as part of a lap siding system may include multipleventilation channels between the planks and the substructure. In orderto facilitate the movement of air through the one or more ventilationchannels, the planks of the lap siding system and the complementarymembers, such as corner trim, door trim, window trim, etc., may beassociated in a manner to provide a complementary ventilation channelbetween the associated end of the plank and the structures of thecomplementary members. One or more complementary ventilation channelsmay be provided in a building implementing the lap siding system of thepresent disclosure. The complementary ventilation channels may beadapted to extend between at least two ventilation channels.

These and other features and advantages of the present description willbecome more fully apparent from the following description and appendednumbered paragraphs, or may be learned by the practice of the inventionas set forth hereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

In order that the manner in which the above-recited and other featuresand advantages of the present disclosure are obtained will be readilyunderstood, a more particular description of the present systems andmethods briefly described above will be rendered by reference tospecific embodiments thereof which are illustrated in the appendeddrawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only typicalembodiments of the systems and methods and are not therefore to beconsidered to be limiting of its scope, the present technology will bedescribed and explained with additional specificity and detail throughthe use of the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a building at least partially covered bya lap siding system;

FIG. 2 is a cross section top view of a corner trim member that may bepart of a lap siding system;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of exploded inside and outside corner trimmembers;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an assembled portion of a corner trimmember;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional top view of the corner time member of FIG.2;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a corner trim members associated withsiding planks and a starter flashing;

FIG. 7 is a side perspective view of the corner trim member, sidingplank and starter flashing of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a frieze board as associated with asoffit and a horizontal siding plank;

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a frieze board as associated with asoffit and a vertical siding plank;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the siding system utilizing a “plankand batten” configuration with an apron trim and frieze board.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The presently preferred embodiments will be best understood by referenceto the drawings. It will be readily understood that the components, asgenerally described and illustrated in the figures herein, could bearranged and designed in a wide variety of different configurations.Thus, the following more detailed description of the lap siding system,as represented in FIGS. 1 through 18, is not intended to limit the scopeof the present disclosure, as described in the appended numberedparagraphs, but is merely representative of presently preferredembodiments.

FIG. 1 presents a perspective view of a building 100, which isrepresentative of the large diversity of buildings with which the lapsiding system of the present disclosure may be used. As used herein theterms building and structure will be used synonymously to identify anobject to which a lap siding system may be applied. For example, thestructures and buildings may include residential homes, commercialbuildings, schools and other non-residential buildings, sheds, garages,boat houses, dog houses, etc. The structures to which the lap sidingsystems may be applied may comprise a variety of elements depending onthe method of construction. For purposes of description, the structure100 will be described as including a substructure (not shown) at leastpart of which forms part of or the entire exterior skeleton of abuilding. The term substructure will be used herein to refer to thatportion of the building to which one or more members of the lap sidingsystem is attached.

FIG. 1 illustrates that the exposed exterior 102 of the building 100 mayinclude a variety of components. As exemplary components, FIG. 1illustrates a door 104, a window 106, a foundation 108, and soffit andfascia elements 110. Additionally, the exposed exterior 102 includes alap siding system 112. The lap siding system may include severalcomponent parts, many of which are described hereinbelow and theremainder of which are consistent with the principles described in thepresent disclosure. The door 104 and the window 106 illustrated in FIG.1 are representative of the variety of doors and window that are or maybecome available for use. The foundation 108 is representative of thevariety of circumstances in which a lap siding system may adjoin adifferent exterior material. For example, lap siding systems 112 may beapplied on the exterior of a second level of a building while the firstlevel of the building is covered by brick, stucco, or some othermaterial such as an apron or skirting. The soffit and fascia elements110 are similarly representative of the variety of circumstances inwhich an upper portion of a building may extend further than the lowerportion of the building. Such a situation is most common at theroofline, but may also occur when an upper level room includes a baywindow or is otherwise configured to provide an overhang, such as toform a covered porch or similar feature.

The lap siding system 112 of the present disclosure may provide numerousbenefits to the building it covers. For example, the present lap sidingsystem may promote the weatherproofing of the building through the useof flashings at junctures between planks and between planks and otherelements of the plank siding system 112. Additionally, the present lapsiding system may facilitate the installation of the planks and otherelements through the use of interlocking members between the planks.Some aspects of these features will be described herein; other aspectshave been previously described in U.S. patent application entitledWEATHERPROOF LAP SIDING SYSTEM, application Ser. No. 11/271,633, filedNov. 10, 2005, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entiretyfor all purposes.

With continued reference to FIG. 1, lap siding systems 112 according tothe present disclosure may include planks 114, which may be horizontalplanks 116, vertical planks 118, or planks configured otherwise. Theexact configuration of each plank 114 and its association withneighboring planks may vary based on its intended orientation and usage.Additionally, plank siding systems 112 may include one or morecomplementary members 120 adapted to cooperate with the planks 114 tocover the exposed exterior 102 of the building 100. The complementarymembers 120 may include such elements as corner trim members 122, doortrim members 124, window trim members 126, soffit members 128, fasciamembers 130 and apron members (not shown). In some installations, it maybe preferable to use a joint member 132 for decorative and/or functionalpurposes, which joint member may be configured as a complementary member120.

For example, the lap siding system 112 may include decorative appliquéssuch as decorative shutters, window sills, window headers, sill boxes,masonry headers, door headers and gables. Additionally, the lap sidingsystem 112 may include a plurality of planks, flashings, trim membersand other complementary elements 120. The various components of the lapsiding system are adapted to be easily installed in a variety ofconfigurations. Additionally, in some configurations, the present lapsiding system provides weatherproofing benefits to the substructure aswell.

As described above, a persistent problem in weatherproofing buildings isthe possibility for moisture to wick, seep, or otherwise get behind theexterior materials and to become trapped between the exterior materialsand the substructure of the building. Prior efforts have attempted toseal the exterior completely through the use of caulking and sealingbetween the various exterior materials. However, as discussed in theabove incorporated application, such weatherproofing efforts have beenless than fully successful, particularly when elements of aesthetics andthe impact of time are considered.

The lap siding systems 112 of the present disclosure utilize air, andparticularly the possibility of moving air, to increase theopportunities for any moisture trapped between the exterior materialsand the substructure to be dried out before leading to the problemsidentified above, such as rot, mold, and/or pests. One example of theassociations between the planks 114, the complementary members 120, andthe substructure is shown in FIGS. 2-7, which illustrate an exemplaryrelationship between planks 114 and an exemplary corner trim member 122.

FIG. 2 illustrates a cross sectional top view of a segment of anexemplary corner trim member 122. As illustrated, corner trim member 122includes a first leg 134 and a second leg 136, which are adapted to bejoined together to form a 90° angle. The corner trim member 122 alsoincludes flashings 140 associated with each of the first and second legs134,136. The first and second legs 134, 136 of the corner trim member122 may be coupled together in any suitable manner, such as theinterlocking dado cut and finger configuration 142 shown in FIG. 2.Additionally, the first and second legs 134,136 may be coupled togetherat any suitable angle to provide the desired corner trim. Alternatively,the corner trim member 122 may be made of a single member configured tohave two extending leg segments to which the flashings 140 are coupled.

Flashings 140 may be associated with the legs of the corner trim member122 in any suitable manner. When the corner trim member 122 is attachedto the building, the flashings 140 and the legs may be coupled togetherin a manner to provide a corner trim member 122 that is at leastsomewhat, if not substantially, difficult to separate into its componentparts without breakage. The coupling between the flashing 140 and theremainder of the corner trim member 122 will be described in more detailbelow.

As illustrated, the flashings 140 are secured to a building 100 by meansof fasteners 172, wherein the fasteners 172 are inserted through anextended portion 162 of the flashings 140. The lap siding system 112further comprises an interlocking clip 198. The interlocking clip 198 isplaced over an upper plank 208 such that a first portion 300 of theinterlocking clip 198 is positioned between the upper plank 208 and thebuilding 100 while a second portion 302 of the interlocking clip 198 isposition over the outer surface of the upper plank 208. Theconfiguration and use of the interlocking clip 198 will become moreapparent in the discussion of FIGS. 5-7 below.

As configured, the corner trim member 122 comprises a plurality ofventilation channels 180. Each ventilation channel 180 provides aircirculation to the individual components of the lap siding system 112thereby providing an escape for undesirable moisture within the system112. Additionally, each individual ventilation channel 180 may be influid communication with another ventilation channel 180 such that aventilation system is created within the lap siding system 112. Thespecifics of the ventilation channels 180 and their varioussubcomponents will be discussed in detail below in connection with FIGS.5-10.

FIG. 3 illustrates an exploded view of corner trim members 122,specifically an outside corner trim member 144 and an inside corner trimmember 146, separated from flashing 140. As illustrated in FIG. 3,flashings 140 may be positioned at any suitable location on the cornertrim member 122 to configure the corner trim member 122 for use in thedesired location. For example, when the flashings 140 are coupled to theinside of the corner trim member 122, the corner trim member isconfigured as an outside corner 144. Similarly, when the flashings 140are coupled to the outside of the corner trim member 122, the cornertrim member is configured as an inside corner 146. Therefore, theflashing 140 is configured as a universal member that may be used witheither corner trim member configuration 144 and/or 146.

FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of a portion of the corner trimmember 122 having the flashing 140 coupled thereto. FIG. 4 presents anexemplary method of coupling the flashing 140 to the leg member 134 ofthe corner trim member 122. While only one method of coupling isillustrated, it is understood that other methods are available.

As illustrated, the leg member 134 includes a mouth 148 having a lowerlip 150 and an upper lip 152. The mouth 148 is adapted to receive atleast a portion of the flashing 140 and may be configured to retain aportion of the flashing 140 within the mouth 148. The mouth 148 of theleg member 134 may include a variety of elements suitable for receivingand retaining portions of the flashing 140, at least some of which mayvary depending on the configuration of the flashing 140. For example,the mouth 148 may include a channel 154 adapted to receive a portion ofthe flashing 140 and may include an indentation 156 in the upper lip 152for catching a flange portion 166 of the flashing 140.

FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary flashing 140 including portions adaptedto cooperate with the mouth 148 to couple the flashing 140 to the legmember 134. As illustrated, the flashing 140 includes a head portion 158adapted to extend into the mouth 148 of the leg portion 134. Theflashing 140 further includes a platform portion 160 and an extensionportion 162. The head portion 158 illustrated in FIG. 4 includes atongue 164 extending into the channel 154 and a flange 166 that extendsinto the indentation 156.

With reference to FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, it can be seen that the flashing140 and leg member 134 configuration illustrated therein allow the head158 of the flashing to be inserted into the mouth 148 of the leg member134 with the flange 166 passing beyond the ridge 168 of the upper lip152 and into the indentation 156. Once the flange 166 is received intothe indentation 156, the flashing can only be removed with fairlysubstantial manipulation of the flashing 140, assuming it is constructedof flexible materials or by sliding the flashing along the length of thecorner leg member 134. Once the corner trim member 122 is installed on abuilding, the opportunity for sliding the flashing along the length maybe severely limited and the flashing and leg member may be sufficientlycoupled.

Additionally or alternatively, the flashing 140 may be coupled to theremaining portions of the corner trim member 122 in other suitablemanners. For example a portion of the flashing may be coupled to the legmember 134 by fasteners, adhesives, or other known coupling agents.Preferred configurations would allow the fastening means to be hiddenfrom view when the corner trim member 122 is applied to the building.One exemplary alternative may include a flashing with a simplified headportion adapted to help position the flashing 140 relative to the legmember 134 and may include a fastening means hidden from view, such as ascrew or other fastener through the back side of the fastener 140 andinto the back side of the leg member 134. One example of such asimplified head configuration is shown and described in more detail inconnection with FIG. 5.

With continued reference to FIGS. 2-4, FIGS. 5-10 will be described tofurther illustrate the ventilation features of the lap siding systems112 of the present disclosure. FIG. 5 illustrates a top view of a cornertrim member 122 coupled to a flashing 140, both of which aresubstantially as shown and described in connection with FIGS. 2-4. Itshould be noted that the corner trim member 122 discussed in connectionwith FIGS. 5-7 is representative of the variety of complementary members120 with which the planks 114 may be associated. Corner trim member 122includes the exterior members 170, which includes the first and secondleg members 134,136 as illustrated, and flashings 140 coupled to theexterior members 170. FIG. 5 further illustrates a configuration wherethe support portion 160 is adapted to provide a space through which afastener 172 may be used to couple the flashing 140 to the exteriormember 170.

The top view illustrated in FIG. 5 further illustrates some of theventilation channels 180 created by the lap siding system 112 of thepresent disclosure. As illustrated, platform portions 160 are adapted toseparate exterior members 170 from the substructure 100 of the building.The platform portions 160 may be provided in a variety of configurationsto offset the exterior members 170 from the substructure 100 by adesired offset distance 182. The offset distance 182 established by theplatform portions 160 may define the depth of the corner ventilationchannel 184 and the platform ventilation channels 186. Flashings 140 mayinclude platform portions 160 of a variety of configurations to creategreater or fewer platform ventilation channels 186 of any suitable shapeor configuration.

With continuing reference to FIG. 5 and with reference to FIG. 6, it canbe seen that planks 208, 212 are adapted to be associated with thecorner trim members 122 within plank channels 190, at least partiallyformed by flashings 140 and the exterior members 170. In a perfectlyweatherproofed building, moisture would not be able to penetrate theexterior shell of the building to be trapped behind the corner trimmember 122. For example, the top of the corner trim member 122 would becapped by a soffit and/or roof structure and the bottom of the cornertrim member would be capped or otherwise sealed against the exteriormoisture. Additionally, the flashings 140 are adapted to keepsubstantially all of the water that might contact the planks fromseeping or wicking behind the corner trim member 122. However,experience has shown that water has an amazing ability penetrate intoundesirable location within siding systems despite best efforts ofprevention.

Regardless of how the water finds its way into a siding system, moistureretained within a siding system leads to certain problems for thestructure as previously discussed. Therefore, the present inventionprovides a plurality of ventilation channels 180 thereby providing anescape route for moisture trapped within the lap siding system 112.Specifically, the ventilation channels 180 created between the cornertrim member 122 and the substructure of the building are adapted toallow air to move behind the corner trim member 122 thereby drying outmoisture that may be present behind the trim.

In order to maximize the size of the ventilation channels 180 and tominimize the surface area of the corner trim member 122 in directcontact with the substructure, the platform portion 160 of the flashing140 may be configured with multiple platform supports 192 as illustratedin FIGS. 2-6. The platform portion 160 may additionally or alternativelybe adapted to include support members of different configurations, someof which may increase the contact surface area between the flashing 140and the substructure compared to the illustrated embodiments.

The ventilation channels 180 created by the present lap siding systems112 may have varying degrees of air flow through the channels dependingon the location of the channel on the structure and depending on theambient weather conditions. For example, the degree of ventilation, orair flow rate, may increase on a windy day compared to a calm day.Continuing with the example of the corner trim member 122, the cornerventilation channel 184 may be adapted to principally rely upon airentering the channel from the top or bottom of the channel (e.g., fromthe soffit region or adjacent the foundation). In such circumstances,the top of the corner ventilation channel 184 is configured in fluidcommunication with ventilation channels in the soffit and/or roofstructure of the building. The bottom of the corner ventilation channel184 may be open to the atmosphere to allow air flow in and out.Additionally or alternatively, the bottom of the corner ventilationchannel 184 may be shielded to a greater or lesser degree by one or moresystems adapted to prevent water from entering the corner ventilationchannel 184 while still allowing air to flow through the cornerventilation channel.

While the ventilated lap siding systems of the present disclosure areprimarily passive ventilation systems (i.e., systems that do not utilizeor rely upon mechanical means to drive air through the ventilationchannels 180), lap siding systems within the scope of the presentdisclosure may be adapted and installed to facilitate a drivenventilation system. For example, a fan may be positioned near to anopening in the ventilation system to blow air in the desired directionto increase air flow in one or more of the ventilation channels.Clean-up operations following a flood or other event in which anexceptionally large amount of water contacts the building or in whichwater contacts the building in unexpected manners (such as from theground up rather than otherwise) present one example of when a drivenventilation system may be economically implemented. An air pump with ahose may be coupled to an inlet of one or more of the ventilationchannels 180 and air may be pumped through the channels at a suitableflow rate to accelerate the drying of the building. To the extent thattwo or more of the ventilation channels are in fluid communication, themechanical, driven ventilation system will be simplified.

Additionally, a complementary ventilation channel 218 is provided toallow for the natural expansion and contraction of the siding members208, 212 due to changes in the climate and temperature. In addition toproviding ventilation, the complementary ventilation channel 218provides a physical gap between the siding members 208, 212 and theflashing 140. During expansion, the complementary ventilation channel218 provides a space into which the siding members 208, 212 may expandrather than buckling and/or dislodging from the substructure 100. Thecomplementary ventilation channel 218 in conjunction with the plankchannel 190 provides sufficient clearance between the siding members208, 212, the complementary corner members 134, 136 and the flashing 140whereby the siding members 208, 212 may expand and contract withoutundesirable binding and/or rubbing on other components of the lap sidingsystem 112.

FIGS. 6-10 further illustrate aspects of the ventilation channels 180that are provided by the lap siding system 112 of the presentdisclosure. FIGS. 6 and 7 present front views of a segment of planks 208and 212 disposed in association with a corner trim member 122substantially as it may be associated when installed on a building. Asshown most clearly in FIGS. 7 and 8, planks 212 and 208, respectively,are angled as is traditional in lap siding systems.

The angled configuration of tradition siding systems is replicatedwithin the current lap siding system 112 by the use of shims 274. Theshims 274 may be modified to form a continuous structure capable offilling the voids between multiple overlapping components such as sidingplanks and an even and/or uneven building substructure 100.Additionally, the shims 274 may be formed to include any material,shape, size, dimensions, orientation, and/or other features in order tofill undesirable voids within the lap siding system 212. Finally, theshims 274 may be secured, attached and/or installed to any component inany order of installation using any attachment mechanism or method.

Referring now to FIGS. 6 and 7, the lower region 194 of plank 212 issupported away from the substructure of the building (not shown) by astarter flashing 196. Starter flashing 196 is illustrative of a varietyof starter flashings that may be implemented to offset the lower region194 of the plank 114 from the substructure of the building.

For example, in the event that an apron (not shown) is disposed belowthe lowermost layer of planks, the starter flashing 196 may includeclips or braces to facilitate positioning of the starter flashing 196relative to the apron. Similarly, the starter flashings that may be usedmay include drainage features and/or water control features to helpdirect water away from whatever may be underlying the lowermost layer ofplanks. An embodiment of an alternative starter flashing is discussedbelow in connection with FIG. 10.

FIGS. 6 and 7 further illustrate an interlocking clip 198 that may beused to couple the lower plank 212 with an upper plank 208. Theinterlocking clip 198 may be coupled to an underlying plank 212 and/or208 using one or more fasteners, such as through fastener hole 200. Asseen most clearly in FIGS. 6 and 7, interlocking clip 198 includes abeveled lower edge 202 that is adapted to cooperate with the beveledlower edge 204 in the interlocking groove 206 in the backside of thelower region 194 of each plank 212 and 208. As illustrated, theinteraction between the interlocking clip 198 and the interlockinggroove of the upper plank 208 is similar to the interaction of theinterlocking groove 206 of lower plank 212 with the beveled lower edge220 of the starter flashing 196.

The contours of the surfaces of the interlocking clip 198, the starterflashing 196 and the interlocking groove 206 may vary depending on thepreferences of the manufacturer and the circumstances of theinstallation. However, when mating beveled surfaces are utilized, abevel of between about 30° and about 60° may be suitable for theinterlocking clip 198, the starter flashing 196 and the interlockinggroove 206.

While not necessary for the purposes of the ventilated siding system ofthe present disclosure, the interaction between the interlocking clip198 and the interlocking groove 206 may provide the lap siding systemwith a variety of features. For example, the interlocking relationshipbetween the clip 198 and the groove 206 may couple the lower region 194of the plank 208 to the building 100, such as by coupling to the nextlower plank 212 or to a starter flashing 196 as illustrated in FIG. 6.Additionally or alternatively, the interlocking clip 198 may provide aninstallation guide to enable the installers to properly position andalign subsequent layers of planks without undue measurement andleveling.

Additionally or alternatively, the interlocking clips 198 and theinterlocking groove 206 may be adapted to provide a vent between thesubsequent planks. As illustrated most clearly in FIG. 6, theinterlocking clip 198 is adapted to be slightly thicker than the depthof the interlocking groove 206. The difference between the interlockingclip thickness and the depth of the interlocking groove may cause thelower region 194 of an upper plank 208 to be offset from the upperregion 210 of the lower plank 212 thereby forming a vent 214 between thelocations of the interlocking clips 198. The vent 214 may allow air intoand out of the plank ventilation channels 216, which is another exampleof a ventilation channel 180 within the scope of the present disclosure.

The vent 214 may be adapted to advantageously allow ambient air to flowinto the plank ventilation channels 216 for subsequent flow into one ormore other ventilation channels 180. The vents 214 and the relationshipbetween the upper planks 208 and the lower planks 212 may be adapted toprovide sufficient coverage of the vent 214 that moisture would not beable enter the vent, except for during the infrequent times when watermoves upward, such as during flooding. Additionally, the relationshipbetween the upper and lower planks 208, 212 may include sufficientspacing to limit and/or prevent wicking between the two planks. Theinterlocking clip 198 and the interlocking groove 206 may be adapted tocreate a vent 214 having a gap of varying thickness between the upperand lower planks. For example, the spacing between the planks mayprovide a vent 214 as small as about 0.1 centimeters thick or as largeas 0.5 centimeters.

With continuing reference to FIGS. 6 and 7, the relationships betweenthe vents 214, the plank ventilation channels 216, and the complementaryventilation channel 218 are described in more detail. As illustrated,the plank ventilation channels 216 run behind each of the planks 208and/or 212, between the planks 208 and/or 212 and the substructure ofthe building (not shown). As the planks 208 and/or 212 and the plankventilation channels 216 approach a complementary member such as thecorner trim member 122, the plank ventilation channels 216 are in fluidcommunication with the complementary ventilation channel 218.Accordingly, each of the plank ventilation channels 216 and each of thecomplementary ventilation channels 218 in the building (not shown) maybe in fluid communication with each other. Additionally oralternatively, one or more of the various ventilation channels may beisolated from the others.

With continued reference to FIGS. 6 and 7, it can be seen that thecomplementary ventilation channel 218 may be in fluid communication withthe plank ventilation channels 216 and with the ambient air. Thecomplementary ventilation channel 218 may be in fluid communication withthe ambient air as illustrated, due to the angled planks 208 and/or 212creating a gap 222 between the outer surface of the planks and the innersurface 280 of the complementary member 120. Additionally oralternatively, the complementary ventilation channel 218 may be in fluidcommunication with the ambient air at one or more ends of thecomplementary ventilation channel 218. For example, at the bottom end278 of the corner trim member 122, the complementary ventilation channel218 may be at least partially open to the environment.

FIGS. 6 and 7 further illustrate the plank 212 coupled to a starterflashing 196 at the lower region 194 of the lower plank 212. The starterflashing 196 may be continuous along the entire lower region 194 of thelower plank 212 or may provide one or more gaps or openings to allow airflow into the plank ventilation channel 216. Additionally oralternatively, the lowermost plank ventilation channel 216 may beaerated at least in part because of its fluid communication with otherventilation channels.

FIG. 6 also illustrates an upper plank 208 coupled to a lower plank 212by an interlocking clip 198. As seen in FIGS. 6 and 7, the interlockingclip 198 has a length substantially shorter than the length of theplanks 208 and 212. In some configurations the interlocking clip 198 maybe sufficiently short to require multiple interlocking clips spacedapart along the length of the plank. For example, interlocking clipshaving a length 276 of between about one inch and three inches may bespaced apart on about 24-48 inch centers to provide the desired degreeof coupling. In such configurations, the interlocking clips 198 will notinterfere with airflow through the vents 214. Accordingly, the plankventilation channels 216 may also be in communication with ambient airby way of the vents 214.

Turning now to FIGS. 8-10, another exemplary complementary member 120 isillustrated to provide additional examples of ventilation channels 180within the scope of the present disclosure. FIG. 10 illustrates anexemplary frieze board 224 that may be used to provide a finished trimbetween the top of the plank 208 and/or 118 and the soffit members 128.Frieze boards 224 may be used in cooperation with horizontal planks 116and/or with vertical planks 118. The frieze board 224 as illustrated inFIGS. 8-10 may be used with either horizontal planks 116 or verticalplanks 118. For purposes of description, frieze 226 of FIG. 8 will bereferred to as horizontal frieze 226 due to its adapted use incooperation with horizontal planks 116. Additionally, for purposes ofdescription, frieze 246 of FIGS. 9 and 10 will be referred to asvertical frieze 246 due to its adapted use in cooperation with verticalplanks 118. It will be noted that frieze board 224 is the same componentin each of FIGS. 8-10 and only referred to as different parts forpurposes of description in connection with the present invention.

Frieze boards 224 may be made of any variety of suitable materials,including wood, composite wood, engineered wood, cementitious materials,vinyl, and metals. Frieze boards 224 may also be adapted to cooperatewith one or more flashings 140 wherein the one or more flashings 140 maycomprise a host of variations directed towards adapting the frieze board224 for use within the present lap siding system 112.

Turning now to the exemplary horizontal frieze 226 of FIG. 8, it can beseen that the horizontal frieze 226 is adapted to couple to a plankflashing 228 and to a soffit flashing 230. The plank flashing 228 andthe soffit flashing 230 each may be adapted to facilitate the couplingof the frieze board 226 to the substructure of the building 100 and tofacilitate the relationship between the horizontal frieze 226 and theadjoining members, i.e. 128 and 116. For example, the plank flashing 228may include an extension portion 232, a support portion 234, and a headportion 236. When installed on a building 100, the extension portion 232of the plank flashing 228 will be the lowermost region of the horizontalfrieze 226. The extension portion 232 may serve multiple purposes. Forexample, the extension portion 232 may act as a flashing to help keepwater and moisture from getting behind the upper most horizontal plank116 and/or from getting behind the horizontal frieze 226.

Additionally or alternatively, the extension portion 232 may provide theinstallers with a facilitated installation method. For example, thehorizontal frieze 226 may be secured to the building 100 with fasteners172 through the extension portion 232 rather than through the materialof the frieze member itself. In addition to facilitating theinstallation, the use of the extension portion 232 for coupling thefrieze to the building maintains the integrity of the frieze board 224thereby limiting the amount of moisture that can penetrate behind thefrieze board 224.

The support portion 234 may be substantially similar to the supportportion 160 of the previous illustrations. The support portion 234, aswell as the remainder of the flashing 140, may be made of any suitablematerials, such as plastics, metals, composite materials, and the like.The configuration of the support portion 234 and the remainder of theflashing may depend somewhat on the materials selected as some materialsare more easily configurable than others. As described above, thesupport portion 234 may be adapted to provide ventilation channels 180behind the frieze board 224.

Additionally, the support portion 234 may provide a space for the plankflashing 228 to be coupled to the exterior member 238 of the horizontalfrieze 226, which may be similar to or different from the configurationshown in greater detail above, and which may include the use of afastener through the support portion 234 and into the exterior member238. For the purposes of brevity, the details of the ventilationchannels 180 and the relationship between the support portion and theventilation channels 180 will be summarized by reference to the abovediscussion of the ventilation channels of the corner member 122. Thefrieze ventilation channels 240 may be adapted to be in fluidcommunication with at least one other ventilation channel 180, such asthe corner ventilation channel 186.

The plank flashing 228 further comprises a head portion 282 configuredto compatibly engage a mouth portion 242 of the horizontal frieze 226.The mouth portion 242 is formed at one end of the frieze 226 wherein themouth portion 242 extends along the length of the frieze 226 definingthe recessed space between an outer lip 284 and an inner lip 286 of thefrieze 226. The head portion 282 of the plank flashing 228 furthercomprises at least one support portion 288 whereby at least oneventilation channel 180 is created between the head portion 282 and theinner surface of the inner lip 286.

The head portion 236 of the plank flashing 228 is noticeably differentfrom the head portion 158 illustrated above. As discussed above, thehead portion 236, however, provides many of the same functionality ofthe head portion 158. For example, the head portion 236, in cooperationwith the mouth portion 242 in the exterior member 238, facilitates theproper alignment of the plank flashing 228 relative to the exteriormember 238.

Additionally or alternatively, the head portion 236 in cooperation withthe mouth portion 242 and a suitable adhesive may provide sufficientbonding strength between the plank flashing 228 and the exterior member232 to not require additional fasteners. The head portion 236 and thehead portion 158 may be interchangeable and are examples of the variouscouplings that may be provided between the flashings and the exteriormembers. The selection of a particular configuration for the headportion may depend on the exterior member to which the flashing is beingconnected and/or the preferences of the manufacturer or installer.

The plank flashing 228 further comprises a flange extension 290. Theflange extension 290 comprises an outwardly extended portion of theplank flashing 228 thereby providing a plank channel 292 adapted toreceive an end of the horizontal plank 116. The flange extension 290further provides protection to the channeled end of the horizontal plank116 as well as provides an aesthetic shielding of any exposed fasteners172.

The soffit flashing 230 is substantially similar to the plank flashing228, including an extension portion 232, a support potion 234, and ahead portion 236. The support portion 234 may provide at least one ofthe features described above for the support portion, including thecreation of ventilation channels 180 and the coupling of the flashing230 to the exterior member 100. Additionally, the head portion 236 mayprovide the functionality described above, including facilitating thecoupling of the soffit flashing to the exterior member.

As illustrated, the head portion 236 of the soffit flashing 230 isdifferent from the head portion of the flashing associated with thecorner member 122 and the head portion of the plank flashing 228. Thehead portion 236 of the soffit flashing 230 comprises a j-shapeconfigured to compatibly engage an upper portion 296 of the horizontalfrieze 226. Specifically, the head portion 236 of the soffit flashing230 comprises a tab 298 for engaging a groove 304 of the horizontalfrieze 226. The groove 304 runs the entire length of the frieze 226 andis located towards the upper end of the frieze. The head portion 236 ofthe soffit flashing 230 is yet another example of the various headportion configurations that are within the scope of the presentdisclosure.

The extension portion 232 of the soffit flashing 230, as illustrated inFIGS. 8 and 9, may provide the features of the extension portionspreviously described and may include one or more additional features. Asmost clearly seen in FIGS. 8 and 9, the extension portion 232 includes asoffit channel 244 adapted to receive an edge portion of a soffit member128. In some implementations, the soffit channel 244 may be adapted tohelp control moisture. For example, as illustrated the soffit channel244 includes a weather flap 294. The weather flap 294 comprises anextended inner portion of the soffit channel 244 configured to contactan upper side of a soffit member 128 upon insertion of the soffit member128 into the soffit channel 244. The weather flap 294 thereby maintainscontact with the inserted soffit member 128 and provides a downwardforce on the soffit member 128 thereby further securing the soffitmember 128 within the soffit channel 244.

Additionally or alternatively, the soffit channel 244 may be adapted tofacilitate ventilation within and among the soffit 128 and fasciaelements (not shown). Additionally or alternatively, the soffit channel244 may be adapted to provide fluid communication between one or moreventilation channels 180 and 240 associated with the complementarymember 120 and/or one or more ventilation channels associated with otherparts of the building 100. Additionally or alternatively, the soffitchannel 244 may be adapted to facilitate the installation of the soffitmembers 128. As illustrated, the soffit flashing 230 is disposed at theuppermost region of the frieze board 224 when installed. The soffitmember 128 may be installed by sliding the rear edge of the soffitmember (i.e., the edge that will be disposed adjacent to the building100) into the soffit channel 244 and resting the rear portion of thesoffit member 128 on the upper side of the head portion 236 of thesoffit flashing 230 as illustrated.

Referring now to FIGS. 9 and 10, a frieze board 224 is shown configuredfor cooperation with vertical planks 118. FIGS. 9 and 10 illustrate across-sectional view of a vertical frieze 246 at least substantiallysimilar to the horizontal frieze 226 illustrated in FIG. 8 where likeelements are indicated by the same reference numbers. For purposes ofdescription, the frieze board 224 of FIGS. 9 and 10 will be referred toas a vertical frieze 246, not because it extends in a vertical directionbut because it cooperates with vertical planks 118. Vertical friezes 246may be configured similar to horizontal friezes 226 in many ways. Forexample, vertical friezes 246 may be adapted to be the uppermost memberof the building exterior. Accordingly, vertical frieze 246 is shownincluding a soffit flashing 230, which may be configured similar to oridentical to the soffit flashings used with horizontal friezes 226.

However, because the vertical frieze 246 is adapted to cooperate withvertical planks 118, which may also be referred to as “board and batten”or “plank and batten” siding, the lowermost region may vary from theexemplary horizontal friezes shown in FIG. 8. As illustrated, thevertical frieze 246 includes a base flashing 248 adapted to engage theupper edge of the vertical planks 118. The base flashing 248 may beprovided in any suitable configuration adapted to raise the lower regionof the frieze to about the same height as the upper region, which israised from the building substructure by the support portion of thesoffit flashing 230. For example, the base flashing 248 may include ahead portion 306 comprising a support portion 234 similar to thepreviously discussed support portion of the plank flashing 228 andsoffit flashing 230 members.

The base flashing 248 may be constructed of any suitable material orcombination of materials and may be coupled to the exterior member 238of the vertical frieze 246 in any suitable manner. As illustrated, someconfigurations of suitable vertical friezes 246 may be adapted to allowair flow from behind the exterior member 238 to ventilation channels 180associated with the vertical planks 118.

The interaction of the vertical planks 118 and the base flashing 248 issimilar to the interaction of the horizontal planks 116 and the plankflashing 228. For example, the base flashing 248 comprises a flangeextension 308 which defines a plank channel 310 for engaging an upperend of a vertical plank 118. The flange extension 308 further providesprotection to the channeled end of the vertical plank 118 as well asprovides an aesthetic shielding of any exposed fasteners 172. The flangeextension 308 is further configured to provide a ventilation channel 180as well as to provide adequate space to accommodate an end portion of abatten 254 as illustrated in FIG. 10.

While the physical dimensions of the horizontal frieze 226 and thevertical frieze 246 are the same, the interaction of base flashing 248with the vertical frieze 246 is noticeably different from theinteraction of the horizontal frieze 226 and the plank flashing 228. Ofparticular notice is the gutter 312 formed between an upward extension314 of the flange extension 308 and the outer surface of the verticalfrieze 246. As configured, the gutter 312 provides a channel forcollecting water as well as provides an aesthetic shielding of the outerlip 284. It will also be noted that the base flashing 248 as illustratedin FIGS. 9 and 10 is configured without an extending head portion 282 asincluded with the plank flashing 228 in FIG. 8. As illustrated, theabsence of an extended head portion 282 provides an additionalventilation channel 180 thereby aiding in the overall ventilation of thepresent lap siding system 112.

As configured in FIGS. 9 and 10, the vertical frieze 246 may beinstalled prior to the vertical planks 118 and the vertical planks 118may be directed into a plank groove 310 at the bottom of the baseflashing 248 during installation of the vertical planks 118. Similarly,in some installations of horizontal planks 116, it may be preferred touse a base flashing 248 in cooperation with a frieze board 226 ratherthan the plank flashing 228 described in connection with FIG. 8.

Referring now to FIG. 10, exemplary vertical planks 118 are shown withina portion of the lap siding system 112. Vertical planks 118 may bereferred to as a “plank and batten” or “board and batten” siding system.In FIG. 10, the board or plank 250 is bordered on either side by a firstand/or second batten 254, 256. The illustration of FIG. 10 isrepresentative and exemplary of other vertical plank systems that areincluded in the present disclosure. Some aspects regarding suitableboards 250 and battens 254, 256 were previously described in the presentapplicant's co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/271,633,previously incorporated herein by reference. Additionally, asillustrated, the design of the outer surface 262 of the battens 254, 256may vary within the aesthetic scope of the current invention. Forexample, in one embodiment batten 254 comprises a squared outer contourwhile batten 256 comprises a rounded outer contour.

As seen in FIG. 10, the battens 254, 256 may be coupled to the buildingsubstructure 100 by fasteners on at least one side thereof. In onemethod of installation, a first batten 254 may be fastened to thesubstructure 100 on one or both extensions 260 via an appropriatefastener 172. A first board 256 may then be slid into the plank channel258 formed between the extension portion 260 of the first batten 254 andthe exterior portion 262 of the first batten. A second batten 264 maythen be disposed in relation to the other side of the first board 256.The second batten 264 may then be coupled to the substructure 100 (notshown) with fasteners on the still exposed extension portion 260, whichin the illustrated version is on the right-most edge of the illustratedboards and battens. Subsequently, a second board 272 may be moved intoplace relative to the second batten 256 and the installation processwould continue until the desired exterior of the building is covered.

FIG. 10 further illustrates at least some of the ventilation channels180 that may be associated with vertical planks. As will be seen, theventilation channels 180 of the vertical planks 118 may be analogous tothe ventilation channels described above in connection with thehorizontal planks 116. Moreover, while not explicitly discussed herein,the ventilation channels 180 of the vertical planks 118 may cooperatewith the ventilation channels 180 of the various complementary trimmembers 120 described herein. For example, the board 250 of the verticalplanks 118 may be adapted to cooperate with the plank channel 190 of thecorner trim member 122.

FIG. 10 further illustrates a board ventilation channel 266 providedbehind the boards 250. As illustrated, the board ventilation channel 266is thin, such as approximately the thickness of the extension portion260 and support portion 192 of the battens 254, 256. In someembodiments, the board ventilation channels 266 may be between about 0.1cm thick and about 0.5 cm thick. Additionally or alternatively, thebattens 254, 256 may be adapted to provide board ventilation channels266 sufficiently thick to avoid wicking moisture.

FIG. 10 further illustrates batten ventilation channels 268, which maybe similar to the complementary ventilation channels 218 describedabove. Similar to the complementary ventilation channels 218 describedabove, the batten ventilation channels 268 may provide a ventilationchannel between the upper ventilation channels in the building 100 (notshown), such as ventilation channels associated with the soffit andfascia elements, and the ambient air and/or ventilation channels at thelower end of the siding system 112. Accordingly, the batten ventilationchannels 268 may facilitate air flow through and among the various boardventilation channels 266 and other ventilation channels 180.

With continuing reference to FIG. 10, the battens 254, 256 areillustrated as including a board stop member 270 extending inwardly fromthe exterior portion 262. Once the batten 254 and/or 256 is installed ona building, the board stop member 270 will extend inwardly from theexterior portion 262 a distance short of the distance between theexterior portion 262 and the flashing portion 260. Accordingly, theboard stop member 270 may be configured to not interfere with the fluidcommunication between the batten ventilation channels 268 and the boardventilation channels 266. The board stop member 270 may be adapted tomaintain a predetermined spacing between the edge of the board 250 andthe internal framework of the battens 254, 256, thus maintaining abatten ventilation channel 266 of a predetermined size.

The board stop member 270 illustrated is optional but may be included tohelp ensure proper installation of the boards and battens to preservethe ventilation channels. In addition to use of the stop member 270 inconjunction with the battens 254, 256, suitable board stop members maybe provided and/or incorporated into other members of the lap sidingsystem 112. For example, the flashing of the corner trim member 122 maybe adapted to provide a stop member configured to maintain thehorizontal planks 114 a predetermined distance away from the head andsupport portions of the flashing, to thereby maintain asufficiently-sized complementary ventilation channel 180. Similaradaptations may be made to the remaining flashings and relationshipsdescribed herein and are within the scope of the present disclosure.

FIG. 10 further illustrates an optional configuration including an apronmember 316 engaged with a lower region of the plank 118 and batten 256system via an apron flashing 318. As illustrated, the apron member 316comprises an upper portion 320 similarly configured to the upper portion296 of the frieze member 224. Unlike the frieze member 224, the apronmember 316 comprises a blunt lower portion 322 configured to dress alower region of a building (not shown).

The apron flashing 318 may comprise any configuration suitable to adjointhe apron member 316 to the remainder of the lap siding system 112. Asillustrated, the apron flashing comprises an extension portion 232 and asupport portion 234; each utilized according to the prior discussion forattaching the apron flashing 318 to the building 100 (not shown) andproviding ventilation throughout the lap siding system 100.Additionally, the apron flashing 318 comprises a plank channel 324 forcompatibly receiving a lower portion of the lap siding system 112components. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 10, the plank channel 324 isconfigured to receive a plank 118 and a batten 256 in a combinedconfiguration.

The apron flashing 318 further comprises a head portion 326 similar tothe head portion 236 of the soffit flashing 230. The head portion 326comprises a tap feature 328 adapted to compatibly engage a groove 330 asformed on the outer surface of the upper region 320 of the apron member316. Other features of the head portion 326 may include a gutter 312 forcollecting and channeling heavy moisture, as well as flange 332 fordirecting heavy moisture away from the outer surface of the apron member316.

While not specifically illustrated and discussed in the presentdisclosure, the remaining complementary members 120, including door trimmembers 124, window trim members 126, and other members that may be usedin connection with the lap siding systems 112 may include flashings andother components adapted to improve the ventilation between thesubstructure of the building and the various components that comprisethe exterior shell of the building.

For example, a trim clip (not shown) may be incorporated into the lapsiding system 112 to provide ventilation as well as secure variouscomplementary members 120 to the building 100. Use of a trim clip withinthe present system 112 is accomplished so as to eliminate the need fornails or other fasteners 172 to extend through the exterior surface ofthe complementary member 120. For example, a trim clip may be firstattached to a building 100 with a fastener 172 and thereafter beattached to a complementary member 120 by an adhesive or other fastenerthat is aesthetically pleasing to the overall system 112.

Accordingly, and as introduced at the outset, the present disclosure isdirected toward lap siding systems including planks and complementarymembers, at least one of which is adapted to provide and/or increase theventilation between the planks and/or complementary members and thesubstructure of the building.

It is believed that the disclosure set forth above encompasses multipledistinct inventions with independent utility. While each of theseinventions has been disclosed in its preferred form, the specificembodiments thereof as disclosed and illustrated herein are not to beconsidered in a limiting sense as numerous variations are possible. Thesubject matter of the inventions includes all novel and non-obviouscombinations and subcombinations of the various elements, features,functions and/or properties disclosed herein. The principles of thepresent disclosure may be embodied in other specific forms withoutdeparting from its structures, methods, or other essentialcharacteristics as broadly described herein.

The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only asillustrative, and not restrictive. The scope of the disclosure is,therefore, indicated by the appended numbered paragraphs, rather than bythe foregoing description. All changes that come within the meaning andrange of equivalency of the numbered paragraphs are to be embracedwithin their scope. Similarly, where the description and/or thefollowing numbered paragraph recites “a” or “a first” element or theequivalent thereof, such description should be understood to includeincorporation of one or more such elements, neither requiring norexcluding two or more such elements.

1. (canceled)
 2. (canceled)
 3. (canceled)
 4. (canceled)
 5. (canceled) 6.(canceled)
 7. (canceled)
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 13. (canceled)
 14. A ventilated siding systemfor covering a substructure, comprising: a plurality of complementarymembers; a plurality of flashing members for attaching the plurality ofcomplementary members to the substructure; and a plurality ofventilation channels positioned between the plurality of complementarymembers, the plurality of flashing members and the substructure;
 15. Thesiding system of claim 14, wherein the plurality of complementarymembers are combined in a modular fashion.
 16. The siding system ofclaim 14, wherein the plurality of flashing members comprise at leastone support member for providing at least one space between theplurality of complementary members and the substructure.
 17. The sidingsystem of claim 16, wherein the at least one space is a ventilationchannel.
 18. The siding system of claim 17, wherein the plurality offlashing members is fastened to the substructure, the plurality offlashing members thereafter coordinating the coupling of the pluralityof complementary members to one another and to the substructure.
 19. Thesiding system of claim 14, wherein the plurality of flashing memberscoordinates the coupling of the plurality of complementary members to asiding material.
 20. The siding system of claim 14, wherein the sidingsystem is fastened to the substructure with at least one concealedfastener.
 21. The siding system of claim 14, wherein the siding systemcomprises a plurality of ventilation channels.
 22. The siding system ofclaim 21, wherein the plurality of ventilation channels are in fluidcommunication.
 23. The siding system of claim 14 wherein a gap isprovided between at least two of said complementary members.
 24. Thesiding system of claim 23 wherein the plurality of complementary membersare positioned such that they can expand and contract with respect toone another.
 25. A modular siding system providing a plurality ofventilation channels comprising: a plurality of complementary members; aplurality of flashing members for attaching the plurality ofcomplementary members to a substructure; and a siding material; whereinthe plurality of flashing members coordinate the coupling of theplurality of complementary members to the siding material such that theplurality of ventilation channels is positioned between the plurality ofcomplementary members, the siding material and the substructure.
 26. Themodular siding system of claim 25, wherein the plurality of ventilationchannels provides an air circulation path between the plurality ofcomplementary members, the siding material and the substructure.
 27. Themodular siding system of claim 26, wherein the plurality of flashingmembers comprise at least one support member for providing at least oneventilation channel between the plurality of complementary members andthe substructure.
 28. The modular siding system of claim 27, wherein thesiding system is fastened to the substructure with at least oneconcealed fastener.
 29. The modular siding system of claim 25, whereinthe plurality of ventilation channels are in fluid communication.